As a long time outspoken supporter of evangelical unity and of Affinity, does anyone have any thoughts or comments on the deeply disturbing report about Affinity on page 10 of the Monthly Record http://www.freechurch.org/pdf/monthlyrecord/feb09.pdf ?
Anyone watching the Free Church of Scotland would find it ludicrous to suggest they are somehow involved in ‘illegitimate ecumenical relations’. Talking to another denomination, and even producing a statement with them, surely does not amount to this.
If this leads to the fragmentation of Affinity and British evangelicalism we shall all be the worse off for it.
It is deeply sad. I believe this is not the only volley fired in the direction of the FOCS recently, as a glance at recent Evangelical Times will reveal.
I actually think the article smacks of ‘throwing the toys out of the pram’. Why does it matter so much WHO the chairman is? Frankly, as the FCOS and FCOSC are still in ongoing dispute one with the other, I find no suprise in the fact that the one group has not wanted a representative of the other group to be their representative on a wider front. I question the wisdom of approaching EITHER denomination for a chairman in the current situation. Surely there are issues to be resolved there first.
The article does make a very valid point in that there seems to be some hypocrisy in objections to interaction between the FCOS and the COS, whereas the FCOSC has not objected to being ‘in fellowship’ with CoE churches via affinity.
It is sad. I hope that a sense of proportion prevails and that this rather alarming denominational hubris is laid to rest.
I think you mean Evangelical Times rather than Evangelicals Now.
I note the FCOS has taken some steps to put the dispute with the FCOSC to bed by recognising them as a separate denomination and thus removing the suspensions of their ministers.
I think you mean Evangelical Times rather than Evangelicals Now.
I note the FCOS has taken some steps to put the dispute with the FCOSC to bed by recognising them as a separate denomination and thus removing the suspensions of their ministers.
In Christ,
James.
You’re right, James. I’ve edited it. This is what comes of reading both!
I have to say I think the FOS response has made some very good points and I hope there is a conciliatory and forward looking reply forthcoming from the highest parts of Affinity.
There’s still some high horses being ridden though…
